About Jeff

Hello, My name is Jeff Wheeler.

I have been playing drum set for 18 years, and teaching drum lessons privately for 5 years. I studied Music Performance at Berklee College of Music as well as Cal State, East Bay. I currently play and perform professionally throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. I work with multiple local acts in the genres of: pop, rock, funk, reggae, and hip-hop. I also perform in the high energy, award winning percussion ensemble known as Street Drum Corps.

My inspiration comes from all styles of music, people, performances, and the grooves of the Motown Record catalog. I am an extremely hard working, self motivated artist who is passionate about my craft. I am funny, friendly, outgoing and passionate about performing/touring and teaching drum set.

Example of our First Lesson: -your choice of a fun so

ng/groove- reading and rudiments-other requests or areas you need help in

...

Reviews

Zeon L. October 25, 2018·Drum·In home

Jeff is a very creative teacher. His play is wonderful. This motivate my son a lot from learning drum with him. My son has a great improve just a few lesson. We all like his hard work and patient be with kid. He is a gentle and polite drummer that impressing us his great play!

David January 24, 2018·Drum·Online

Jeff totally knows how to let me go off in my own learning direction while keeping me grounded in the fundamentals. He's an excellent teacher.

About Jesse M.

IntermediateStart to learn about polyrhythms as well as developing your ears and body to play songs more accurately. Start to spice up your playing with ways that are interesting, but not intrusive.

AdvancedReally push your polyrhythms and add asymmetrical meters to your repertoire to expand your grasp of complex rhythms. Also learn to use dynamics, cymbal work, and fills to effectively communicate and lead a band without words.

I've been playing with classical ensembles and rock bands since 2001. Even though I started on classical trombone and rock guitar, I have come to expand my repertoire to a variety of instruments and genres. During my time in college I performed with the University choir, orchestra, and band. I also have organized, wrote/arranged for, and performed with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar cla

sses in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

Reviews

Vanessa October 22, 2018·Singing·In studio

I like these singing classes

Vanessa October 20, 2018·Singing·In studio

Still taking this class, it’s reviews are pending

Hima October 11, 2018·Violin·In studio

Jesse is very knowledgeable and a really good instructor for beginners, as he makes sure we learn strong fundamentals . I started my violin classes as a beginner and could see my learning curve is ramping up very well.

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Jesse M.

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Jesse M.

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(95)

starting at

$70
/ 30-min

About John F.

Whether you are a complete beginner or getting more advanced and need the keys to reach your next level, I love teaching and I am here to get you there.I started playing drumset and snare drum when I was 12. After spending years in study, classically trained and playing in a professional Symphony Orchestra, while engaged as a gigging rock musician, I spent many years as a live performer and producer of live music, recorded music and theater. i've grown into this craft and feel strongly about conveying it's rudimentary and finer points to students who are interested in exploring and de-mystiifying the process and it's nature. I teach students to read and write music, to play strong beats and fills, develop natural technique, relaxation and independence, and to think and grow musically. Eventually you will learn to use stylish transitions, interpret song structure, and achieve proficiency in a variety of styles. And most importantly, learn to play drums and percussion *musically*, ...

About John

I play a wide variety of musical styles on drums and percussion and have a long history of performance art in live bands, theater and orchestra. I teach drum set, symphonic and marching percussion, electronics in drumming (sampling, loops, midi etc), and general rhythm lessons for beginners. I also enjoy helping students prepare for auditions, studio recording sessions, and live performance opportunities. There's alot to know about what to do and what not to do in these situations, especially if you want to look like a pro and have a positive experience.

I studied percussion performance at Washington State University while developing my set playing and enjoying my employment with the Washington Idaho Symphony as a classical percussionist. I play in rock, funk, pop, metal, EDM, hip-hop, industrial, honky-tonk, and jazz outfits with mult

iple appearances at SXSW, Sundance Film Festival, TieCon, and various festivals throughout the US.

...

Reviews

Anamika August 24, 2018·Drum·In studio

John was an excellent easy going teacher. My son had an intensive two week session before starting high school again. He learned how to read music and really picked up a lot from John's coaching. Most importantly he kept my son's love for music alive:)

Max G. December 4, 2017·Drum·In home

Lucky to have him teaching my 9 year old.

Anna November 16, 2016·Drum·In studio

John is a fantastic teacher! I started with no experience at all and now after my fourth lesson I already feel comfortable with my grip, a metronome, sheet music, single stroke rolls, double stroke rolls, and several rock beats. Currently, I’m learning sixteenth note drum fills. He is patient, enthusiastic, fun, and extremely talented. I highly recommend him as a drum teacher (beginner or experienced). You will not regret it!

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John F.

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John F.

San Francisco, CA 94102

(3)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Samuel C.

I have extensive experience as a performer and educator working with various styles of drums and percussion. Over the years I've played with rock bands, jazz combos, drumlines, concert bands, singer/songwriters, and more. Whether you want to learn to play along to your favorite songs, improvise with your friends, or audition for the school band, I'm excited to help you meet your goals. I always aim to devise custom lesson plans for students that are both fun and challenging. My main goal as a teacher is to help my students improve as musicians and cultivate a lifelong love of music.

About Samuel

I play and teach drums and percussion in numerous styles ranging from rock, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and pop to Indian classical tabla and Balinese gamelan. I'm passionate about many kinds of music and I enjoy working with students of all ages. In addition to drums and percussion, I teach music theory and beginning piano. I'm currently working towards a PhD in Cross-Cultural Musicology at UC Santa Cruz, and I'm accepting students throughout the Bay Area.

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Reviews

Aimee September 12, 2016·Drum·In home

Sam has been teaching our son Sam for a year now. He is an enthusiastic, focused and motivating instructor. What our son loves about Sam is that he is teaching him to play drums through the music that our son loves and relates to. This makes it that much more "fun" to learn.

Sam is always on time, very communicative, professional, passionate about drums and great with kids! We highly recommend Sam as an instructor.

Aimee September 12, 2016·Drum·In home

Sam has been teaching our son Sam for a year now. He is an enthusiastic, focused and motivating instructor. What our son loves about Sam is that he is teaching him to play drums through the music that our son loves and relates to. This makes it that much more "fun" to learn.

Sam is always on time, very communicative, professional, passionate about drums and great with kids! We highly recommend Sam as an instructor.

Jose and Deborah Vasquez July 23, 2015·Drum·In home

Sam is wonderful drum instructor. He is very friendly and my teen son feels very comfortable around him. They worked for several months on drums and Sam even took time to listen to my son's DJ music production. Sam gave him his opinion and suggestions for improvements. We are very happy with how fast my son began to play drums only after the start of a few lessons. We highly recommend him!!!

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Samuel C.

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Samuel C.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(6)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Melissa M.

Beginning drum students will be taught the basics in a fun but productive way. I will teach a strong foundation so a student can move forward with confidence. Lessons would be individualized to focus on areas that need the most guidance.

Students will learn to feel rhythms from whole notes up to sixteenth notes and become fluent in simple, compound, and swing rhythm families. You will gain the skills for simple time keeping as well as playing simple songs.

About Melissa

I have been teaching since 2006 on a variety of topics. I graduated with an BA from the University of Wisconsin. My degree is in History with and emphasis on East Asian history.

I've taught all age groups from age 2 up to retirees. My teaching experience includes one-on-one and group classes in a variety of settings. I've taught corporate classes, private lessons, small groups, and traditional classroom lessons.

We have a student-centric philosophy of learning. Lessons are generally relaxed and designed to work towards accomplishing student determined goals. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. Special focus on topics like music theory, self-accompaniment, composition, song writing, and home recording are available as well.

What are your personal goals? We'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

Lessons with small children are more focused on just having fun while developing a good musical foundation, but we prefer for them to have as much personal ownership of their lesson as possible.

...

Reviews

Priyanka S. August 27, 2018·Piano·In studio

Melissa was the perfect teacher for my child. She's warm, engaged, patient -- and very skilled. I think my daughter continued with her piano instruction only because she enjoyed her classes so much! If we hadn't moved an hour away, we would still be going to Melissa. She's awesome! I highly recommend her.

James August 25, 2018·Drum·In studio

Great teacher. I learned a lot.

Carla August 22, 2018·Watercolor Painting·Online

I learned A LOT about painting. It was a great first class. Thank you.

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Melissa M.

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Melissa M.

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(27)

starting at

$45
/ 30-min

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About Eyal S.

A private drum teacher for over 10 years, based in Oakland, CA, I am a lover of music and I share that passion with my students of all ages, from beginner to advanced levels. My lessons are fun and motivational, encouraging students to perform the best they can while enjoying the learning process. I am patient, and I am a big believer in improvisation to improve creativity and confidence. I expect students to practice the techniques they learn and come prepared for each lesson.

About Eyal

A private drum teacher for over 10 years, based in Oakland, CA, I am a lover of music and I share that passion with my students of all ages, from beginner to advanced levels. My lessons are fun and motivational, encouraging students to perform the best they can while enjoying the learning process. I am patient, and I am a big believer in improvisation to improve creativity and confidence. I expect students to practice the techniques they learn and come prepared for each lesson.

...

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Eyal S.

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Eyal S.

Oakland, CA 94621

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Dennis W.

Music is a subject that anyone can relate to. Playing and performing music is a dream that many aspire. I have watched my students grow from complete beginners to taking stages in front of a large audience.

I am always thorough about teaching my students the basics: understanding proper technique, dynamics, and timing. I teach my students to play to a metronome, read music and rhythms, play songs, and play along with other live musicians. I specialize in many various genres of music including funk, rock, pop, hip-hop, prog, and metal. Over time, you will learn to play like the professionals that inspire you.

About Dennis

Hello, my name is Dennis Willoner.

Music and art have always been a huge part of my life. I have been playing drums for 15 years and have been teaching for 7. I grew up learning to play drums from a private instructor, and have been studying on my own ever since. I have played in many bands in my music career and have also tracked drums in studios for local artists. Today, I currently work at School of Rock in Palo Alto as a private and group instructor, and play in a professional band called Constructs.

I have been drawing ever since I can remember. I mostly draw realistically, but also like to get on the creative side. I enjoy drawing faces and people the most out of any subject. After learning so much about art, the world can be viewed in a complete other perspective.

...

Reviews

Manoj N. May 12, 2018·Drawing·In home

I have been wanting to learn drawing since I was a kid. Had a few years of drawing when I was a kid and then haven't touched in a long time. When I rekindled my interest to learn, I came across Dennis.
Honestly, the reason why I chose Dennis was because he provided at-home classes and that would avoid the hassle of me having to travel. The first few classes were more of me and him warming up to each other, as I am sure he also found me different.
He comes with all the necessary equipment and spends a few minutes giving you some basics of the stuff we are going to do that day. Then he leaves you to draw while he also draws the same. He glances once in a while at your sheet and gives you very subtle feedback. If you have missed something, he will just try to nudge you in the right direction with minor comments like "Don't you think, these are of the same darkness?, There may be more highlights in this area or the mid tones here and here are of the same darkness. etc.". He never touches your paper, but only guides you.
Sometimes when some focus is needed (for example on the eyes), he will tell you the technique involved in depth and we did one full class just doing eyes, one full class on hair.
It was a little frustrating initially for me as I was not used to the teaching technique, and now I see the point. The first drawing itself turned out be much much better than I had anticipated it to be and he hasn't touched my paper till now - so this drawing is fully mine.
You can also continue drawing and send work via text message to him. You almos t always get detailed instant feedback. The only thing is, I haven't been very diligent in doing drawings due to lack of free time. So once a week for an hour is what I do.
He also spends extra time sometimes so that he can take the drawing to a logical point, sometimes even beyond 1.5 hrs though my session is for an hour each. That shows the commitment he has to his students.
I believe my work will improve as this course continues. We have had about 6 classes and I am already seeing the difference. A long way to go, but the first steps have been right - most of it due to Dennis and his method of teaching. I would say more than teaching, it is a method of mentoring where the hand holding is done in a unique way.

Erin May 3, 2018·Drawing·In studio

Dennis is a congenial, knowledgeable, and engaging instructor. It's been a rewarding learning experience.

Pavel November 27, 2017·Drum·In studio

Great instructor: friendly and patient, clear guidance and fun process

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Dennis W.

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Dennis W.

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(4)

starting at

$35
/ 30-min

About Andrew G.

My lessons focus on the fundamentals of drumset including proper technique, reading, writing, listening to and play along to music and more.

About Andrew

I started playing drums in high school and began performing in public soon after. In 2008 I decided to pursue music professionally and started freelancing and performing with various bands in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.

In 2009 I traveled to Austin, TX for SXSW, performing outside of the DMV area for the first time. Later in 2009 I began studies at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music in NYC and in 2010 I began traveling the east coast on a regular basis performing for large crowds.

I graduated from The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music with a BA in Jazz Studies in 2011 and continued touring the east coast, midwest, and the south with various bands.

In 2017 I relocated to California and began performing all around the bay area. In 2018 I toured Europe for the first time with world renowned blues players

Mitch Kashmar and Junior Watson. I am currently performing and teaching full time in the south bay. I teach drums, beginning bass, and beginning piano.

...

Reviews

Becca October 25, 2018·Drum·In home

Andrew has been wonderful with our son. He is always on time and ready and enthusiastic to work with. Our son had never played the drums before and Andrew was kind and patient with him. He introduced concepts to him at a pace that he could handle, and also brought in elements that kept him interested and progressing at a steady pace. We are thrilled with his progress and teaching.

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Andrew G.

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Andrew G.

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

(1)

starting at

$40
/ 30-min

About Brian A.

There are certain basic skills that all drummers must possess regardless of what style of music they play. The mastery of those rudimentary skills is the foundation of my teaching practice, while keeping in mind each students individual needs and goals. I am currently teaching drumset, snare drum, timbales, bongo and beginner conga.Experience the joy, passion, and expression of drumming and learn to play your favorite music on drum set. Learn rhythms & proper technique; how to play musically and improvise; how to “feel,” count, and notate music; and play along with almost any musical style! Drumming is also a great way for dancers to gain a deeper understanding of the rhythms that accompany their dancing.I am a patient and attentive teacher who will create a course to suit your needs.

About Brian

I've been performing and teaching professionally since 1990. I teach private lessons, after-school programs, clinics and lectures. I am a contributing writer to DRUM! Magazine with my Afro-Caribbean Practice Pad articles and create corresponding videos for their on-line presence. I have also contributed a Master Class article for Downbeat Magazine. I'm currently an endorser for the Bosphorus Cymbal Company and a Regional Artist Endorser for the Sakae Drum Company.

...

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Brian A.

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Brian A.

San Mateo, CA 94401

starting at

$59
/ 30-min

About Micah C.

Everyone enjoys air drumming but I can show you how to take it to the next level!

Drums don't have to be hard given you have the right teacher by your side.Lessons with me are great for beginners who are looking to feel confident quickly. You will learn some basic skills that will get you drumming on your own kit in no time. Feel free to let me know who your music inspirations are so that we can begin to curate your lessons into learning that specific music style.

I'm a fan of teaching on both the acoustic and electronic drums, as I use both quite often in my personal life.

Can't wait to rock out with you!

About Micah

Hi I'm Micah!

Before learning drums in my Junior year of high school I can remember using chopsticks to bang on the kitchen table. Needless to say my family wasn't having it! Fast forward to now and I'm successfully converting pen tappers and air drummers into actual musicians.

I cater all of my lessons depending on your interest of why you want to learn drums. I've taught people who were in it to start a band and others who simply wanted to learn a new skill. Regardless of why you choose drums, we will always tailor our lessons to play along with your favorite music! In our first few lessons you will learn drum basics like how to properly hold sticks, strike the drum, and keep time --- essentials for any beginning drummer.

I've personally played in bands that are rock/alternative, blues, funk, reggae, soca, pop covers and dubstep/el

ectronic music. No matter the genre, it seems like I always find a way to connect with the music because of my passion for the drums, something I hope to pass onto my fellow students.

Affordable

Effective

Drum Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Drum instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by David

"First lesson was great! Will continue learning from Jeff."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Jeff W.

Review by Cannon

"Very kind guy!"

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Micah C.

Review by Max

"Lucky to have him teaching my 9 year old."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
John F.

Review by David

"Jeff totally knows how to let me go off in my own learning direction while keeping me grounded in the fundamentals. He's an excellent teacher."

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Jeff W.

Review by Zeon

"Jeff is a very creative teacher. His play is wonderful. This motivate my son a lot from learning drum with him. My son has a great improve just a few less

on. We all like his hard work and patient be with kid. He is a gentle and polite drummer that impressing us his great play!"

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Jeff W.

Review by rita

"Easy to sign up and Great customer service

My 12 yr old decided he wanted drums for Christmas and we knew that would include getting him lessons. Finding

Christian through Take lessons was indeed lucky for my son. If you are looking for a teacher who is calm, level headed, knowledgeable and very easy to contact at anytime then Christian is who you are looking for. He has several students and they all come out happy and feeling good about their lessons. My son, even when not feeling great insist that he attend his drum lessons. compliments to the instructor."

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Christian C.

Review by Anna

"John is a fantastic teacher! I started with no experience at all and now after my fourth lesson I already feel comfortable with my grip, a metronome, shee

t music, single stroke rolls, double stroke rolls, and several rock beats. Currently, I’m learning sixteenth note drum fills. He is patient, enthusiastic, fun, and extremely talented. I highly recommend him as a drum teacher (beginner or experienced). You will not regret it!"

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
John F.

Review by Adrien

"Great lessons, great teacher

It's only been 4 lessons but I really appreciate how the lessons are going. Jeff gives good explanations on how to read musi

c and how to execute on the drums.Good pieces of advice too when some parts are hard to play !"

...

San Francisco, CA teacher:
Jeff W.

Review by Suparna

"Friendly and great teacher.

Jeff is a friendly teacher. He gives the right amount of homework to practice and is very understanding. Jeff gives feedback